Planning Case Study 47
The Odeon, Hunter Street, Chester
Planning scenario(s)
Heritage assets affected
Non-designated heritage assets with archaeological and historic interest within an Area of Archaeological Importance (AAI)
Type of application & broad category
Local planning authority
Authority: Cheshire West and Chester Council
References: 14/02792/FUL
Development proposal
Conversion of redundant cinema to a new library and theatre, with a substantial extension to the west into an area occupied by a 1970s office block.
Archaeological information known about the site before the planning application was made, or before the development commenced, as appropriate
The former Chester Odeon is a Grade II Listed Building dating from the 1930s. In addition, it occupies a central location within the north-western quarter of Chester’s Roman fortress and the later walled city. As such, it is included within Chester’s AAI and is a recognised as a Primary Zone in the Chester Archaeological Plan.
Limited excavation in the surrounding area on a number of occasions in the past had demonstrated the survival of well-preserved deposits in this part of the city, with particular reference to the Roman period.
Archaeological/planning processes
When the local authority began to develop proposals for the site and building (see above) it was therefore clear this would be a development with significant archaeological constraints. In particular, it was recognised that measures would be required to minimise damage to the archaeological deposits through careful foundation design. This was particularly the case with regard to the western extension because, although the 1970s block had been basemented, the proposed extension required significant intrusions to accommodate the features associated with the theatre stage.
Preliminary assessment and evaluation work undertaken in 2012-13 provided a comprehensive picture of the nature and extent of the archaeological remains on the site and the local authority’s curatorial service worked closely with staff at Historic England, the authority’s regeneration staff, and the structural engineers to devise a robust and detailed foundation design which did the minimum damage to archaeology judged ‘significant’ and worthy of preservation in situ.
A loss of up to 5% of significant archaeology was judged acceptable and was concentrated in the western extension, excluding the basement of the office block. Intrusions within the exiting cinema were almost wholly avoided and restricted to two small lift pits. The resulting foundation plan was submitted in support of the planning application and formed part of the approved documentation.
Subsequent fieldwork in 2013-14 was carried out efficiently and revealed traces of drains, a road, and stone and wooden buildings associated with the Roman fortress. The work was completed on time and the only real surprise was the survival of truncated and fragmented remains underneath the basement slab of the office block. This part of the site could not be included in the evaluation trenching because of structural stability issues and the thickness of the slab.
The post-excavation assessment and subsequent publication report were all completed on time (as set out in the original project design and updated project design) and the report has appeared in the latest edition of the peer-reviewed local archaeological journal (see below).
Outcomes: archaeological
It is clear that the pre-determination evaluation, close liaison with the structural engineers at this early stage, and preparation of a detailed foundation design as part of the planning application submission were all vital to the successful completion of the fieldwork and subsequent post- excavation project. It is not suggested that this pre-determination approach should be adopted in all cases where evaluation is required as, apart from anything else, many planning authorities in the region would not accept this approach. It is argued, however, that it is appropriate and vital in certain specific circumstances, which will include major developments in the region’s historic cities and towns.
The rapid completion of the publication report is particularly pleasing in a region which has sometimes struggled in its responsibilities with regard to the publication of major archaeological sites.
References and links/bibliography
- Chester and Cheshire West Council 2012, Chester Theatre (Odeon Site) Archaeological desk-based assessment. Unpublished report.
- L-P: Archaeology 2013, Odeon Theatre Chester: archaeological evaluation report. Unpublished report.
- Dodd, L, Ball, M, Druce, D, Mason, D, 2018, Excavations at Hunter Street, Chester 2014-15: new light on the retentura of the Roman fortress, Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society, 88, 19-54.
